New Rector for Scots College in Rome

Friday 8 May 2009

Following their meeting in Glasgow on 5 and 6 May the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland have announced that with effect from 1 July 2009 Fr John Hughes will be appointed Rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome.

Commenting on the appointment Archbishop Mario Conti said; “I am delighted that a priest from Glasgow with very considerable experience of dealing
with young people and their formation at St. Andrew’s College, Glasgow University and latterly as Director of Studies and Vice Rector at Scotus
College will become the new rector in Rome.” Archbishop Conti added; “He will succeed Fr Paul Milarvie as Rector of this prestigious college which has provided priests for Scotland since 1600.”

Reacting to the announcement of his appointment, Fr John Hughes said;
I am very much aware of the responsibility and challenge in being Rector of the Scots College in Rome, particularly as we move into a new phase of seminary provision for Scotland. I feel privileged to have been entrusted with this mission by the Bishops' Conference and look forward to serving the seminary community in this ministry of leadership.

Fr. John added
“In twenty-five years of priesthood I have become increasingly conscious
of the support and prayers of family, friends and so many good people. I would ask them to continue to pray for me as I prepare to follow in the footsteps of exemplary rectors of the past. Finally, I would encourage continued prayer for all our seminarians, that God will guide them in their discernment and bless them for their courage and generosity.“

Additionally the community of Croatian nuns currently working in a support capacity in the College will return to their home country and in their place a group of Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, currently based in Glasgow will  move to Rome to support the college staff. Commenting on the move,
Sr Loyola said;

"We are extremely happy and extremely excited because it's a whole new beginning as an international body. We've been in Glasgow since 1847.
Because so many of our Sisters are from Africa it's a great opportunity in forming an international community right at the heart of the Church."

ENDS


Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
5 St. Vincent Place
Glasgow
G1 2DH
0141 221 1168
07968 122291
pk@scmo.org
www.scmo.org

Note to Editors.

Biography Fr John Hughes:

Ordained 1984, prior to ordination taught Modern Languages at secondary school level. After studies in Rome (Licence in Patristics) worked in parish ministry at St. Matthew's. Bishopbriggs.

Chaplain St. Andrew's College of Education.
From 1999 lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow. 2004 appointed Vice-Rector and Director of Studies - Scotus College.
Has taught Church Latin, N.T. Greek, Early Church History, Homiletics, Pastoral Theology and Faith and Art.

Will celebrate Silver Jubilee of Ordination this summer.